Filmmaking: Pre-Production and Script Finalization

• Pre-production is the initial phase of filmmaking, involving planning and preparation for the production stage, including shooting.
• A disorganized pre-production can lead to a disorganized filmmaking process.
• The pre-production process is important to ensure safe, healthy, and fruitful filming and editing.
• Team members get to know each other, adapt to standards, and demonstrate commitment during pre-production.

Pre-Production Process

• It requires preparation, revision, and finalization, ensuring everyone is well-informed and proactive.

Script Finalization

• Script finalization involves refining the script through trimming scenes, revising dialogue, and re-editing the story's flow.
• Writers should be open to rewriting and making changes until the script is finalized.
• Script finalization ensures a solid blueprint, potentially saving energy, stress, and production costs, while also allowing the writer to collaborate with the director.

Script Finalization Involves

• Necessary revisions that remove irrelevant characters and storylines.
• Revising the script's format to meet standards.
• Reconsidering the budget and resources required.
• Applying feedback and technical notations.
• Finalizing and locking the screenplay.

Storyboarding

• Storyboarding involves planning film scenes through drawings or illustrations in collaboration with the director and DOP.
• A clear storyboard communicates the director's vision and saves time by avoiding unnecessary reshoots.

Storyboarding Involves

• Breaking down and visualizing each scene from the script.
• Doing rough sketches and working closely with the director and DOP.
• Incorporating technical details like camera movements and shots into the illustrations.
• Arranging illustrations to match the story's flow.
• Finalizing and locking the storyboard.

Financing and Budgeting

• Financing and budgeting are required to ensure financial feasibility, resource provision, and payment for labor.
• Funding can come from investors, production companies/studios, grants, and crowdfunding.
• A contingency fund is a must-have.

Financing Involves

• Securing funding from studios, grants, and investors who serve as executive producers.
• Pitching projects to attract investors and co-production opportunities.
• Negotiating and finalizing ownership rights and distribution deals.

Budgeting Involves

• Above-the-line costs related to key personnel like the director, producer, writer, and lead actors.
• Below-the-line costs related to the crew, equipment, set construction, and post-production members.
• Production costs related to filming expenses like locations, catering, and transportation.
• Post-production costs related to editing, sound design, color grading, and visual effects.
• Marketing and distribution costs for trailers, posters, and promotional materials.

Casting

• Casting involves choosing actors to portray characters in a film/video, elevating the film.

Casting Involves

• Understanding the script and the characters.
• Writing character breakdowns focusing on key details.
• Auditioning actors and extras.
• Conducting callbacks, chemistry readings, and camera tests.
• Making final decisions and contract negotiations.

Location Scout and Set Design

• Location scouting is finding actual filming locations aligned with the director's vision.
• Set designing is dressing up the location to match the script.

Location Scouting Involves

• Breaking down the script and location requirements.
• Researching possible and accessible locations.
• Visiting locations and taking notes and photos.
• Considering logistics like permissions, budget, and technical requirements.

Set Designing Involves

• Breaking down the script to visualize set requirements.
• Developing concepts through mood boards and references.
• Considering material costs and time.
• Constructing the set and adding props.
• Ensuring material consistency.

Rehearsals and Table Read

• Rehearsals are practice sessions between actors and the director before and during filming.
• A table read (read-through) helps everyone familiarize themselves with the script.

Types of Rehearsal

• Scene Rehearsal: Actors practice timing and blocking.
• Technical Rehearsal: Practicing camera and visual effects.
• Stunt or Action Rehearsal: Practicing action choreography.
• Full run-throughs: Practicing every aspect of the scene.

Reasons for a Table Read

• Establishes chemistry between actors.
• Reduces on-set issues through script familiarity.
• Refines the screenplay through observations.

Finalizing the Schedule

• Finalizing the schedule is vital for ensuring availability, time, and commitment.

Finalizing the Schedule Involves

• Breaking down the script to estimate completion time.
• Creating a timeline and initial schedule.
• Considering logistical elements and legal/union rules.
• Finalizing the post-production schedule to determine when filming should be done.

Essential Documents in Film and Video

• Written agreements are vital in film and video productions to ensure rights and requirements are secured.
• Essential Film Production Documents:
  • Screenplay/Script: The most important document, dictating the story's flow and every aspect of production.
  • References and Blueprints: Includes storyboards, mood boards, and shot lists to guide creative development.
  • Schedule-related: Includes call sheets and the production schedule from pre-production to distribution.
  • Logistical Documents: Includes budget plans, contracts, permits, NDAs, copyright, edit logs, and reports.

The Press Kit

• A press kit (media kit or EPK) promotes the film to media outlets, distributors, agencies, investors, and festivals.

Contents of a Press Kit

• Film Synopsis: A brief summary of the film's plot.
• Director's Statement: Insights on the film's creation, theme, and vision.
• Cast and Crew Bios: Information on cast and crew members.
• Production Notes: Behind-the-scenes stories and creative decisions.
• Visual Assets: Film stills, behind-the-scenes photos, and promotional artworks.
• Video and Audio Materials: Trailers, clips, interviews, and raw footage.

The Screenplay

• The screenplay (script) serves as the blueprint for visual storytelling in film, TV, or other media.

Key Elements of the Screenplay

• Scene Heading: Indicates location and time of day.
• Action: Describes scene events.
• Dialogue: Lines spoken by characters.
• Character: Individuals in the story.
• Parentheticals: Optional notes on actor performance.
• Transitions: Editing shifts between sequences.
• Technical Considerations: Notes on camera, editing, and production design.

Script Breakdown Focuses

• Concept: Overall film concept.
• Premise: Brief film outline.
• Theme: Film's base or key inspiration.
• Character: Individuals in the film.
• Conflict: What is at stake.
• Resolution: Conclusion.
• Setting: Locations.

Script Breakdown Example - Anak (2000)

• Concept: OFW, single mother.
• Premise: An OFW mother returns to her children in the Philippines.
• Theme: Migration; women empowerment.
• Character: Vilma Santos, Claudine Barretto.
• Conflict: Daughter rebels against her OFW mother.
• Resolution: Daughter recognizes her mother's sacrifices.
• Setting: Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Film Proposal

• Film proposal outlines key film production details.
  • Production Information: Title, genre, format, length, cast, location, schedule, and budget.
  • Production Objective: Explanation of team's goals.
  • Production Communication: Explanation of what the team wants to communicate.
  • Production Concept: Look, motif, and setting.
  • Mood: Explanation of the team hopes the audience feels.
• Film proposals help pitch the project to investors and studios.

Tips for Finalizing the Screenplay

• Rearrange the three-act structure to improve focus.
• Show, don't tell through visual storytelling.
• Use conflict to drive the story.
• Revise patiently.
• Ensure feasibility.